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Boston, MASS. (June 5, 2020) VERI Nano, Inc. announced today that it has been selected to participate in the Mass Challenge 2020 Boston Cohort for early-stage, high-impact companies, gaining access to a global network of experts and resources. MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, will host 100  early-stage startups rigorously selected by a community of more than 500 expert judges and that represent the top 9% of applications from around the world.

Veri Nano, a bionanotechnology company composed of world-renowned experts, innovators and serial entrepreneurs trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is using nanotechnology to provide solutions to different problems in numerous markets such as human and animal health, cosmetics, agriculture and food. The startup was selected based on its novel approach to prevent bovine mastitis. 

“The MassChallenge Boston program stands on more than a decade’s worth of proven experience working with entrepreneurs and corporate organizations to help accelerate innovation and drive economic growth,” stated Damon Cox, Assistant Secretary for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Commonwealth of Massachusetts and MassChallenge Advisory Board member. “I am excited that the program has pivoted to a virtual model to continue the essential work of supporting startups that eventually go on to create jobs and drive economic growth in Massachusetts and beyond.”

Since March, MassChallenge’s world-class network of investors, serial entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and academics have evaluated applications based on each startup’s ability to demonstrate high impact and high potential in their fields. 

“We are very excited and proud to be a part of the 2020 Mass Challenge Cohort”, said Samson Afewerki, co-founder of VERI Nano, Inc.. “We are looking forward to taking full advantage of this opportunity and cannot wait to get started.”

This year’s 2020 Boston cohort reflects an exceptional cross-section of innovators from all industries and from 12 countries around the globe. Top industries include:

• 34% High Tech
• 32% Healthcare and Life sciences
• 19% General, which includes materials, hardware, retail and consumer goods
• 11% Social Impact
• 4% Cleantech and Energy

MassChallenge’s 2020 cohort represents several emerging industry trends including:

• The meteoric increase in artificial intelligence and machine learning across all industries
• Biotechnology as the life science category to watch
• Sustainability across industries and sectors, with 20% of applicants and finalists having a green or clean focus

ABOUT VERI Nano, Inc.

Veri Nano is an innovative bionanotechnology company emerged from world-renowned experts, innovators and serial entrepreneurs trained at Harvard Medical School and MIT. We are creating the future by designing novel nanotechnologies that could be applied to multiple industries. By using different types of biomaterials as building blocks, we have fabricated diverse types of novel systems such as nanoengineered hydrogels, nanosized molecular delivery systems, and nanocomposite materials. The startup was selected based on its novel approach to treat bovine mastitis. 

 VERI Nano will participate in the 90-day, dairy-intensive program,  launching this week 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 6, 2021) — VERI Nano announced, today, that it is one of the seven startup companies that are convening, virtually, for the 90-day Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) 2021 CoLab Accelerator Program. 

“We’re really excited about this year’s class and the potential for their innovations,” says Doug Dresslaer,  director of innovation at DFA. “It’s a very diverse group with some cutting-edge ag technologies that can help solve problems and benefit our farm family-owners as well as product-focused startups that are  exploring new possibilities for dairy foods.” 

VERI Nano was chosen for its novel approach to the prevention and treatment of bovine mastitis using nanotechnology.

Veri Nano is an innovative, bionanotechnology company that is creating the future by designing novel nanotechnologies that are being applied to multiple industries such as human and animal medicine, agriculture and cosmetics. By using different types of biomaterials as building blocks,VERI Nano has fabricated diverse types of novel systems such as nanoengineered hydrogels, nanosized molecular delivery systems, and nanocomposite materials. 

The core members of the VERI Nano team consist of: Co-Founders Samson Afewerki, PhD, Joseph Bonventre MD, PhD, Nathan Lee, PhD, Guillermo U. Ruiz-Esparza, MD, PhD, and team leaders, Lauren Fish and Ketian Zhang, PhD. 

“Our team is very excited for this opportunity to work closely with Dairy Farmers of America. Our unique approach to mastitis treatment will help farmers everywhere, ” said Cofounder Guillermo U. Ruiz-Esparaza, MD, PhD, FRSA. “We think being a part of the DFA Accelerator will be an integral part of bringing our product to market.”

The DFA CoLab Accelerator Class of 2021 

Ag Tech 

• CattleEye – Aims to deliver a deep learning, cloud-based AI platform that is designed to interpret  visual imagery of cattle from industry standard web cameras. The platform autonomously identifies  individual animals to extract insights including measuring gait, applying mobility scores to track  lameness, and other positive welfare indicators. 
• DairyOffice – Designed as a central location for all data sets collected on a farm, this platform is  built to integrate with herd management software and sensors, feed systems and ration  formulation programs. The platform then manages the collection of data and provides various  spreadsheets and other analytical tools that are updated with the collection of new data. 
• H2Ok Innovations – Data analytics platform and propriety sensor that is designed to help  manufacturers gain comprehensive, real-time visibility into industrial liquid systems. This enables  data-driven optimization operations that can be utilized in manufacturing facilities, as well as  potentially on farms. 
• VERI Nano – Created a patent-pending nanotechnology that is utilized as a bovine teat sealant,  disinfectant, antimicrobial coating, skincare and wound care treatment. It is aimed to be more cost efficient and effective than current mastitis treatments. 

Dairy Food Products 

• Saga Ventures – Designed a single-serve cheese snacking bar to provide healthy and satiable fuel  between meals. It utilizes fresh California ingredients infused with two cups of milk, local fruits,  nuts, and spices to create your own snack-sized cheeseboard with 17g of protein.
• SimpliFed – Utilizing the latest nutritional and microbiome science to develop a better, personalized  organic formula and nutrition supplements to bridge the gap between breast milk and infant  formula. 
• The Modern Milkman – Designed an online platform that offers fresh, local quality products that  are delivered right to your doorstep. The subscription-based model connects farmers with their  communities and communities with fresh and local products. 

A Dairy-Centric Program Focusing on Business Growth and Mentoring 

The DFA CoLab Accelerator is a 90-day immersive program focused on dairy product innovations and new  technologies for dairy farms. Startups will gain a thorough understanding of the dairy industry and will have  the opportunity to work with top executives from DFA and other relevant investors and industry leaders.  Throughout the program, participants will receive advice and participate in educational sessions on a variety of topics important for startup growth, including finance, business development, distribution and  supply chain, product development, brand building, sales and marketing, packaging and pricing.  

Dairy Farmers of America is a national, farmer-owned dairy cooperative focusing on quality, innovation and the future of  family dairies. While supporting and serving more than 12,500 family farm-owners, DFA manufactures a variety of dairy  products, including fluid milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more that connect our Cooperative’s family  farms to family tables with regional brands such as Alta Dena® Dairy, Meadow Gold® Dairy, Friendly®’s, Borden® Cheese,  Plugra® Butter and Kemps® to name a few. On a global scale, we work with some of the world’s largest food companies to  develop ingredients their customers are craving, while staying committed to social responsibility and ethical farming. For  more information, please visit dfamilk.com. 

ABOUT VERI NANO, INC.

Veri Nano is an innovative bionanotechnology company emerged from world-renowned experts, innovators and serial entrepreneurs trained at Harvard Medical School and MIT. We are creating the future by designing novel nanotechnologies that could be applied to multiple industries such as Human and Animal Medicine, Agriculture and Cosmetics. By using different types of biomaterials as building blocks, we have fabricated diverse types of novel systems such as nanoengineered hydrogels, nanosized molecular delivery systems, and nanocomposite materials. The startup was selected for its novel approach in the prevention and treatment of bovine mastitis. To find out more about what we are doing, please visit www.verinano.com 

For additional information, visit colab.dfamilk.com/. The 2021 DFA CoLab Accelerator will culminate with a  Demo Day in late June, where the startups will pitch and showcase their ideas.  

 Top Prize Among Boston-Based Startups

Boston, Mass. (October 22, 2020) VERI Nano announced today that the company received a Platinum Award, a cash prize of $75,000, at the 2020 MassChallenge Awards Ceremony; one of the most prestigious and competitive startup competitions in the world. Due to the pandemic, the award ceremony was held virtually and VERI Nano was awarded the top monetary prize among Boston-based startups in front of more than two thousand attendees for its novel approach in the prevention and treatment of bovine mastitis.

Veri Nano is an innovative bionanotechnology company that is creating the future by designing novel nanotechnologies that are being applied to multiple industries such as human and animal medicine, agriculture and cosmetics. By using different types of biomaterials as building blocks, we have fabricated diverse types of novel systems such as nanoengineered hydrogels, nanosized molecular delivery systems, and nanocomposite materials.

The core members of the VERI Nano team consist of: Co-Founders Samson Afewerki, PhD, Joseph Bonventre MD, PhD, Nathan Lee, PhD, Guillermo U. Ruiz-Esparza, MD, PhD, and team leaders, Lauren Fish and Ketian Zhang, PhD. “We are so very honored to receive the 2020 Platinum MassChallenge Award,” said Cofounder Guillermo U. Ruiz-Esparaza, MD, PhD, FRSA. “We thank our mentors, families, friends and MassChallenge for all the support during the last four months.”

The VERI Nano team plans to use the prize money to scale the business, as well as for regulatory and marketing costs. MassChallenge, the global network for innovators, awarded 17 total, equity-free cash prizes to the top startups in its 2020 Boston early-stage accelerator.

“Congratulations to the latest cohort of MassChallenge award recipients, each having shown resilience in the face of this year’s unique challenges due to the pandemic, and a commitment to innovation in their respective sectors,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. “As the Commonwealth looks to economic recovery, as well as the continued fight against COVID-19, MassChallenge continues to be a partner in supporting entrepreneurs, encouraging creativity and driving innovation leadership.”

“I am incredibly proud of our startups and the community that supported them during this year’s accelerator. As we embarked on our first virtual program, we knew we had to work smarter to create meaningful engagements on all sides of the table,” said Cait Brumme, Managing Director of MassChallenge Boston. “And because of that support, our startups thrived: while building their companies, our cohort raised $68M in funding, generated $20M in revenue, and created 504 jobs.”

In June, MassChallenge Boston welcomed 100 startups from 12 countries and 20 states to its first-ever virtual accelerator. The MassChallenge program connects startups with the resources, partnerships, and communities that help them launch, grow, and scale their businesses. Specifically, startups benefitted from bi-weekly sessions with top speakers like Niraj Shah (CEO, Wayfair), Brian Halligan (CEO, HubSpot), Kirk Arnold (EiR, General Catalyst), Deb Benton (Willow Growth Partners), more than 100 hours of tailored workshops, direct access to over 200 mentors, and access to MassChallenge’s global corporate partner network.

To close out the 2020 cohort, MassChallenge Boston and its partners awarded $500,000 in prizes to top startups during the MassChallenge U.S. Virtual Awards on October 22, 2020. MassChallenge Boston partners FM Global, Innospark Ventures, and The Quin presented sidecar awards worth $120,000 during the event; additional equity-free cash prizes will be awarded through the end of 2020. The MassChallenge U.S. Virtual Awards brought together more than 2,000 viewers for a livestream event to celebrate the transformative power of entrepreneurship. In total, MassChallenge and its partners awarded more than one million in cash and investment prizes to 34 startups from this year’s Austin, Boston, Houston, and Rhode Island accelerators. The event was hosted by Chris Denson of Innovation Crush, and featured a fireside chat between Arianna Huffington (Founder and CEO, Thrive Global) and Linda Pizzuti Henry (Managing Director, Boston Globe).

ABOUT MASSCHALLENGE
MassChallenge is the global network for innovators. Headquartered in the United States with seven locations worldwide, MassChallenge equips bold entrepreneurs to disrupt the status quo and to create meaningful change. Since launching in 2009, more than 2,400 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $6.2B in funding, generated more than $3B in revenue, and created more than 157,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org.

ABOUT VERI NANO, INC.
Veri Nano is an innovative bionanotechnology company emerged from world-renowned experts, innovators and serial entrepreneurs trained at Harvard Medical School and MIT. We are creating the future by designing novel nanotechnologies that could be applied to multiple industries such as Human and Animal Medicine, Agriculture and Cosmetics. By using different types of biomaterials as building blocks, we have fabricated diverse types of novel systems such as nanoengineered hydrogels, nanosized molecular delivery systems, and nanocomposite materials. The startup was selected for its novel approach in the prevention and treatment of bovine mastitis.

MEDIA CONTACT

Lauren Fish

Head of Marketing and Operations

Lauren@verinano.com

857-222-7477

Boston, Mass. (September 29, 2020) VERI Nano, Inc. was selected today as one of the top 20 startups of the MassChallenge Accelerator Program in Boston. Veri Nano will now participate in a final round of judging, along with 20 other startups, where they will compete for up to $1,000,000 in equity-free cash prizes. The prize winners will be announced on Thursday, October 22, 2020 as part of the 2020 MassChallenge Virtual U.S. Awards, which will livestream on the MassChallenge website. 

Veri Nano, a bionanotechnology company composed of world-renowned experts, innovators and serial entrepreneurs trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is using nanotechnology to provide solutions to different problems in numerous markets such as human and animal health, cosmetics, agriculture and food. The startup was selected based on its novel approach to prevent bovine mastitis. 

“This year has been remarkable for our startups to say the least. Nevertheless, in the face of a pandemic and an economic crisis, our startups demonstrated the resiliency, creativity and relentless perseverance to launch their new ventures,” said Cait Brumme, Managing Director of MassChallenge Boston. “Across the board, our startups leveraged MassChallenge’s resources to hit critical milestones including securing first customers, raising funding, and growing teams. When successful, these startups will not only solve critical challenges but support job growth and recovery. We are proud that our community has come together in an unprecedented form to carry these startups forward.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 100-early-stage startups from around the world participated in a completely virtual 2020 MassChallenge Boston accelerator. 

During the four-month program, the startups leveraged expert mentorship, tailored curriculum, and the MC global network to launch and grow their companies. With more than a decade of experience, MassChallenge’s proven zero-equity model and global network works for its startups – not against them – by providing the vital resources they need to grow without taking any equity in return.

“We had a great experience during our time with Mass Challenge and due to that experience, VERI Nano continues to demonstrate the innovation and vision of our world-class team. We are very thankful for all the support from MassChallenge, as we have met so many great cohort teams, Mass Challenge employees, investors and potential advisors along the way, while also learning and having a lot of fun”, said Cofounder Guillermo Ruiz-Esparaza, MD, PhD, FRSA.“ We are beyond excited and honored to be selected to the finals and to take our company to the next level”.

 ABOUT THE MASSCHALLENGE VIRTUAL U.S. AWARDS CEREMONY 

MassChallenge is hosting its first-ever virtual celebration of innovation and creativity featuring 200+ startups from the 2020 accelerator programs in Austin, Boston, Houston, and Rhode Island.  The event will showcase the progress the startups have made during their program, feature industry-leading speakers Arianna Huffington (Thrive Global), Linda Pizzuti Henry (Boston Globe Media Partners), and Chris Denson (Innovation Crush) to speak on the transformative power of startups, and award up to $2M in equity-free cash prizes to the top startups from the programs. 

ABOUT THE 2020 MASSCHALLENGE PROGRAMS

This year, the U.S. programs in Austin, Boston, Houston, and Rhode Island welcomed a total of 244 early-stage startups from more than 30 countries. Selected from thousands of applicants, the 2020 cohorts represent the best and brightest ideas that tackle some of the world’s most massive challenges. Collectively the startups engaged in over 1,000 office hours and mentor engagements, 200+ classes, and 7 cross program seminar sessions hosted by speakers like Niraj Shah (CEO, Wayfair), Brian Halligan (CEO, Hubspot), Kirk Arnold (EiR, General Catalyst), Deb Benton (Willow Growth Partners), and more.

MASSCHALLENGE  PARTNERS

Agrosuper, Altus Dental, Amica Insurance, Analog Devices, Austin Technology Incubator, Autodesk, Babson College, BAE Systems, Boston University, Brandeis University, Brex, Carta, Central Houston, City of Houston, Cydan Development, Defense Innovation Unit, Dell for Entrepreneurs, Delta Dental, Department of Defense, Downtown Redevelopment Authority, Duane Morris LLP, First Republic Bank, FM Global, Foley Hoag LLP, Hasbro, Henkel, IOwnIt, ISS National Laboratory, J.P. Morgan, Juice Consulting, KPMG LLP, MassCEC, McKinsey & Company, MITRE, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsui & Co., Office of Economic Adjustment/DIA, Oracle for Startups, PwC, Raytheon, Reliant, an NRG Company, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Sanofi, SOMPO, Stadia Ventures, Texas Foundation for Innovative Communities, The Boston Foundation, TMAC, University of Texas at Austin, UPS, Upstream, US Air Force, WeWork, Winstead 

ABOUT VERI NANO, INC.

Veri Nano is an innovative bionanotechnology company emerged from world-renowned experts, innovators and serial entrepreneurs trained at Harvard Medical School and MIT. We are creating the future by designing novel nanotechnologies that could be applied to multiple industries. By using different types of biomaterials as building blocks, we have fabricated diverse types of novel systems such as nanoengineered hydrogels, nanosized molecular delivery systems, and nanocomposite materials. The startup was selected based on its novel approach to treat bovine mastitis. 

ABOUT MASSCHALLENGE

MassChallenge is the global network for innovators. Headquartered in the United States with seven locations worldwide, MassChallenge equips bold entrepreneurs to disrupt the status quo and to create meaningful change. Since launching in 2009, more than 2,400 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $6.2B in funding, generated more than $3B in revenue, and created more than 157,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Lauren Fish

Head of Marketing and Operations

Lauren@verinano.com

857-222-7477